Penelope and Howard started running together along a cross country track. When Howard completed the track in 20 minutes, Penelope had run only
59 of the track. Penelope’s average speed was 96 m/min slower than Howard’s.
- How long was the cross country track in m?
- Find Penelope’s average speed in m/min.
(a)
When Howard completed the track:
Howard's distance = 9 u
Penelope's distance = 5 u
Extra distance covered by Howard
= 9 u - 5 u
= 4 u
4 u = 96 x 20
4 u = 1920
1 u = 1920 ÷ 4 = 480
Distance of the cross country track
= 9 u
= 9 x 480
= 4320 m
(b)
Howard's speed
= 4320 ÷ 20
= 216 m/min
Penelope's speed
= 216 - 96
= 120 m/min
Answer(s): (a) 4320 m; (b) 120 m/min